Podcasts about iowans

Ron Geis, a Nebraska native turned proud Iowan, who's spent decades advancing agriculture in multiple ways — from working in crop protection with Corteva Agriscience, to helping run a family cow-calf operation, to mentoring the next generation of ag leaders.Ron reflects on growing up on a dairy farm and how those early mornings and hard lessons shaped his outlook on life and work. He shares what it's been like to witness — and contribute to — the evolution of crop protection technology throughout his career. His background in agricultural education also shines through, offering insight into how he communicates with growers and supports Corteva's mission across Iowa and beyond.But it's not all business — we get to know Ron on a personal level, too. He opens up about working alongside his wife on their cattle operation, camping adventures in their “hotel on wheels,” and the joy his grandchildren bring to his life. Ron even shares what advice he'd pass along to young people considering a career in agriculture.As always, we wrap up with a fun either/or round, and Ron leaves us with thoughtful advice as we all look ahead to the 2025 season. Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/ Don't forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen! Website: www.Farm4Profit.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/

Gender identity as a protected class will soon be removed from the Iowa Civil Rights Act. This hour, how people and communities are responding.

The Minnesota state senator shot and injured along with his wife near the Twin Cities over the weekend once lived in Polk County. It was one of two shootings that also took the lives of a Minnesota state representative and her husband. Thousands of Iowans joined millions across the country in protests against Trump administration policies over the weekend. And a number of Iowa communities plan to observe Juneteenth later this week – commemorating the end of slavery in the United States in 1865.

Today, we listen back to conversations with Iowan artist and author Luke Stoffel and Danish artist Thomas Dambo.

Elon Musk set off a grenade in conservative circles this week, trashing the one big, beautiful bill Trump has staked so much on. He didn't just throw shade — he called it a “disgusting abomination,” backed Rand Paul's $5 trillion deficit claim, and waved the American flag emoji as punctuation. This wasn't a random tweet. This was Musk choosing to detonate right as Speaker Mike Johnson is working the Senate hard to shepherd this bill into law. Johnson, for his part, did respond, claiming he had a 20-minute phone call with Musk where the topic never came up. But c'mon — that silence says a lot. Either Johnson's not telling the whole story, or Musk baited him. Neither looks great.The timing is brutal. Musk has been a reliable MAGA ally — hosting DeSantis's launch, reshaping Twitter into a free speech battleground, becoming a key donor and message amplifier. When he turns on your signature policy, it signals open season. And it's not just personal. Elon hates the EV credit phase-outs in the bill. He's furious about the AI regulatory overrides that strip individual from states like California. And his businesses, from SpaceX to Starlink, all have reasons to be wary of the bill's broader tech oversight. So what looked like a united conservative front just fractured — and it fractured loudly. This is the part of the process where fights get public. And loud. And weird.Politics Politics Politics is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Iowa and the 2024 RemapIt's moments like this that make me appreciate the Iowa caucus even more. Say what you will about the process — yes, it's clunky, yes, it can be exclusionary — but nobody works harder at retail politics than Iowans. I've been in diners, VFW halls, and school gyms across that state. These are folks who grill candidates, push policy details, and actually pay attention. Compare that to South Carolina, which Biden bumped to the front of the line for the Democratic primary. That move was clearly strategic — to avoid an early embarrassment — but it came at a cost. The engagement just isn't the same. You can walk into a bar in Manchester and get into a policy debate with a random guy sipping Busch Light. That's not happening in Columbia.Now, there's a window to fix it. With 2024 settled, both parties could realign the primary calendar — and they should. Let Iowa go first. Let New Hampshire follow. Put South Carolina third, Nevada fourth. Let people earn it. The current process is dominated by consultants who don't want surprises. But surprises are good. They shake things up. They reveal flaws. They test candidates in real-time, not just in sanitized TV town halls. If you want to know who can campaign in a blizzard, let 'em face a real one. Bring back the vetting. Bring back the grit.Deal Deadlines and Tiers of ImportanceThen there's the global chessboard. June marks the end of the 90-day tariff pause Trump announced on Liberation Day — his dramatic trade reset. That pause gave negotiators time to cut new deals, to defuse tensions. But with just weeks left, where are the deals? Trump hasn't sealed anything. Not with China. Not with India. Not with Vietnam, or Mexico, or even Taiwan. Instead, he's hosting white paper summits and showing off 2017 flashbacks. The branding is tight, but the substance is lagging.Look at the scoreboard. Ukraine was inching toward peace talks — then dropped a drone strike that disabled a third of Russia's bomber fleet. That doesn't scream “diplomatic breakthrough.” Gaza? The American-backed aid initiative is collapsing under mutual mistrust and unconfirmed shootings. We're left trying to guess which footage is real and which claims are propaganda. And while all this plays out, the trade environment remains stuck. Japan, South Korea, Australia — they're locked into frameworks that don't need rewriting. The real action would be a comprehensive tariff reset with Mexico or Vietnam, or a groundbreaking semiconductor pact with Taiwan. But so far, we're getting press releases, not treaties.So here's how I see it. You've got three tiers of trade potential. Tier 1: countries that matter symbolically — Canada, UK, the Netherlands. Deals here look good but don't move markets. Tier 2: mid-size powerhouses like South Korea, Japan, and Germany. All three matter for automotives, while South Korea and Japan both matter for their tech sectors. Finally, Tier 3 is where it counts: China, Mexico, Vietnam, Taiwan, India. If Trump can close one deal there, he regains the upper hand. If he can't, he enters the summer with big talk and no wins — just in time for Senate Democrats to go on offense. Time is ticking.Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:03:10 - Elon Trashes the BBB00:08:09 - Iowa Caucus 00:11:24 - Trump Trade Tiers00:22:14 - Interview with Michael Cohen00:49:52 - Update00:50:33 - Big Beautiful Bill Senate Discussions00:53:05 - Jaime Harrison Comments00:55:08 - Trump China Trade Talks00:57:23 - Interview with Michael Cohen, con't.01:35:36 - Wrap-up This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.politicspoliticspolitics.com/subscribe

Senator Joni Ernst began her career as a budget cutter but has transformed into one of the most corrupt government officials in Washington. Steve Schmidt looks at the shift in Ernst's ideals and urges Iowans to replace her. Subscribe for more and follow me here: Substack: https://steveschmidt.substack.com/subscribe Store: https://thewarningwithsteveschmidt.com/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thewarningses.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SteveSchmidtSES/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewarningses Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewarningses/ X: https://x.com/SteveSchmidtSES

How did Iowa become the home to one of the largest publicly held Haitian art collections in the world?

Les Claypool's ode to his wife, Chaney, starts side two of Of Whales and Woe, and there's certainly no woe to be found in this joyous track, which reflects the irrational emotional highs of fulfilled love, through the Claypool lens. Josh, a native Iowan, sheds some light on the lyrical references and discusses agricultural exports, because that's all Iowans talk about aside from the weather. We also play an excerpt from Les's book tour in Iowa City. That evening was captured by the radio program Live At Prairie Lights and is archived here: https://digital.lib.uiowa.edu/node/797265Get involvedInstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

#224: Author and economist Austin Frerick returns to break down how grocery store monopolies are shaping what ends up in our carts, who profits from it, and who gets left out. From Walmart's grip on food access to the collapse of fair pricing for farmers, Austin exposes how consolidation is driving inequality across the food system. This conversation offers a clear-eyed view of the corporate forces eroding real food, real farms, and the possibility of justice in what we eat.https://realorganicproject.org/austin-frerick-grocery-store-monopolies-224Austin Frerick is a 7th generation Iowan who, after watching his home state be transformed through agricultural policy to the detriment of the family farmer, became an expert on agriculture and antitrust policy and now serves the Co-Chair of the Biden campaign's Agriculture Antitrust Policy Committee. He is the author of Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America's Food Industry.https://www.austinfrerick.com/https://www.austinfrerick.com/The Real Organic Podcast is hosted by Dave Chapman and Linley Dixon, engineered by Brandon StCyr, and edited and produced by Jenny Prince.The Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement working towards certifying 1,000 farms across the United States this year. Our add-on food label distinguishes soil-grown fruits and vegetables from hydroponically-raised produce, and pasture-raised meat, milk, and eggs from products harvested from animals in horrific confinement (CAFOs - confined animal feeding operations).To find a Real Organic farm near you, please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/directoryWe believe that the organic standards, with their focus on soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare were written as they should be, but that the current lack of enforcement of those standards is jeopardizing the ability for small farms who adhere to the law to stay in business. The lack of enforcement is also jeopardizing the overall health of the customers who support the organic movement; customers who are not getting what they pay for at market but still paying a premium price. And the lack of enforcement is jeopardizing the very cycles (water, air, nutrients) that Earth relies upon to provide us all with a place to live, by pushing extractive, chemical agriculture to the forefront.If you like what you hear and are feeling inspired, we would love for you to join our movement by becoming one of our 1,000  Real Friends:https://www.realorganicproject.org/real-organic-friends/To read our weekly newsletter (which might just be the most forwarded newsletter on the internet!) and get firsthand news about what's happening with organic food, farming and policy, please subscribe here:https://www.realorganicproject.org/email/

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson take a deep dive into the proposed federal “Big, Beautiful Bill” —a sweeping tax and budget to extend the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). They explore what's included, how it could impact Iowa taxpayers, and why federal spending policy is just as important to state-level fiscal decisions as what happens in Des Moines.The episode starts with local stories, including Axios Des Moines' report on housing incentives and Des Moines' call for suburban areas to contribute more to metro affordable housing projects. Chris and John push back on the idea of taxpayer-subsidized development, highlighting how government incentives—whether for low-income housing or luxury projects—distort the free market and fuel property tax frustrations.From there, they shift to the heart of the episode: Trump-era tax cuts are set to expire, and Congress is working on a major package to extend and expand many of those provisions. The bill includes an expanded child tax credit, increases to the standard deduction, and proposed tax exemptions for tips and overtime pay. Chris and John warn that while these carveouts may be politically appealing, they erode the tax base and complicate Iowa's flat tax system due to the state's rolling conformity with federal tax law.They also dissect the politics of the SALT cap debate, a key sticking point among lawmakers from high-tax states, and outline how raising the cap to $40,000 could disproportionately benefit wealthier taxpayers in states like New York and California—undermining the incentive for state-level tax reform.In closing, the hosts emphasize the broader lesson: neither tax relief nor economic growth is sustainable without spending restraint. With the federal government projected to spend nearly $89 trillion over the next 10 years, and only modest cuts proposed, Chris and John preview future ITR Foundation efforts to spotlight the dangers of unchecked national debt—and why every taxpayer, including Iowans, should care.

Did the title catch you? Good, it should because it's the dead honest truth. This week's guest, Ross Hausmann, an avid deer hunter and conservationist joins me to discuss the incredible gift of an Iowa farm he and his wife received from someone he asked for permission to look for sheds. It's an incredible story that seems like it could be made into book, or at least a hit country song.   Other Topics We Discuss: -Is it still good to be an Iowan? -Recent deer history in Iowa -How to find Arrowheads -Using orchards in your land management plan - Land management practices for the entire ecosystem    Follow Ross: @ross.hausmann   Check out the First Gen Hunter Website Follow First Gen Hunter Instagram: @first.gen.hunter Facebook: @first.gen.hunter Follow Alex: @east2westhunts_alex  Follow East2West Hunts: @east2westhunts Follow Caleb: @calebleedrake  Follow Noel: @noelgandy Follow Ryan: @followthedog_outdoors   Support First Gen Hunter by shopping at the following partners:   East2West Hunts Use promo code: firstgen10 = 10% off any purchase Old Barn Taxidermy Tell Them The First Gen Hunter Podcast Sent You! My Medic use discount code firstgen15 at checkout to save 15% TideWe Use discount code: firstgen15 at checkout to save 15% Optics Planet Use discount code: fgh5 at checkout to save 5% 360 Sportsmen Use discount code: FIRSTGEN15 Camofire Black Ovis AlienGear Holsters FORLOH Fox River Socks Gunskins Tipton Gun Cleaning Accessories Outdoor Edge Kuiu Tactical Hunting Apparel    

Heather and Lucas debate the NBA Lottery, Tommy Birch on Iowans in Chicago, and Paul Skenes for USA - T H1

Adam & Ryan kick off this jam-packed episode discussing the Mount Rushmore of Iowans. The boys then discuss another TICK tok trend for Adam's satisfaction. The boys completely disagree with a top 7 burgers list and are forced to give their own rankings, and the intro ends with the 100 men vs a gorilla debate. The boys then welcome on loyal listener Alex to discuss a career milestone, his recent hole in one! Then back by popular demand, it's Elijah Hinkeldey! The fellas and Elijah break down his recent trip to see WWE Smackdown, today's kid lingo, a hype summer loading, and more! Hut Hut! Love y'all. Intro Music "Upbeat" by Jon Luc Hefferman (No changes  were  made)  License Link    (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/legalcode) Outro Music    "Quittin' Time" by Patrick Lee (No changes were made) License Link  (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/legalcode)

Lauren welcomes Mary Charlton to the podcast to discuss the Iowa Cancer Registry's "99 Counties" project. The "Cancer in Iowa 99 Counties" project aims to educate Iowans about the high cancer rates in the state, the types of cancer driving these rates, and risk factors that can be addressed through policy and community action Iowa has the second-highest cancer incidence rate in the U.S., with the most common cancers being breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, and melanoma The project involves creating detailed reports on cancer trends and risk factors for each of Iowa's 99 counties, which are presented to local public health officials and community members to spur action Key findings include geographic patterns in different cancer types (e.g. higher lung cancer in southern Iowa, higher melanoma in northern Iowa), highlighting the complex, multifactorial nature of cancer The goal is to empower Iowans to advocate for evidence-based policies (e.g. tobacco tax increases) and community initiatives to reduce the cancer burden in the state. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-the-iowa-cancer-registry-and-the-99-counties-project/ Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks. #publichealth #cancer #canceriniowa

With growing concerns of a recession comes uncertainty about how both producers and consumers will be impacted in Iowa. An economist and others tell us what the future may hold for Iowans.

Political analysts discuss the top headlines of the week, including Gov. Reynolds' lawsuit against the Des Moines Register, President Trump's first 100 days in office and more.

Mike Pace is no ordinary Iowan and here we go Out to Lunch with Mike to prove that point. You see, Mike has been in broadcasting longer than most. He is a writer, producer, television host as well as doing a stint in wholesale and retail. And just recently has released a movie called Outro.  Mike also, with a long time friend Steve Mathews, opened up a first class recording studio, Radio Garage.  In this conversation we also talk about his family and an upcoming milestone birthday. So much to talk about. Known across Iowa and beyond an inside look at Mike Pace.  Thanks for listening! The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

Licensed psychotherapist Bronwyn Schweigerdt—host of “Angry at the Right Things”—joins us to rethink anger as a vital barometer, not a character flaw. We talk alexithymia (the struggle to recognize and express feelings), why anger is often suppressed rather than expressed, and how tuning in to this emotion can reveal insightful information. Bronwyn shares practical tips for spotting the signals in your body, communicating them clearly, and channeling anger into constructive change. Listen in and learn how to transform frustration into your most clarifying tool for well‑being.Check out Bronwyn's podcast, Angry at the Right Things here! Donate to EFR. 1 in 3 Iowans needing mental health care cannot afford it. Your gift enables us to offer counseling to anyone in need regardless of their ability to pay. Thank you for helping us keep our promise to the community: that everyone who needs help, gets help.

A northeast Iowa high school is investigating the circulation of AI-generated deepfake nude photos of several students. The Planned Parenthood in Des Moines won't have abortion care as it expands other services. And an Iowan who fought in the Vietnam War shares his experience flying one of the last helicopters out of Saigon.

Vinh Nguyen has lived in Iowa for decades, but previously, he grew up in Vietnam during the war which ended April 30, 1975.

Join Spunky Comstock and Wolfman Mike as they trade city lights for cornfields and hit the Iowa backroads to settle the ultimate 70s vs 80s showdown—Midwestern style!

The right to an attorney doesn't mean that an attorney will be free in states like Iowa.

"Into Light" is a national art activism project that seeks to dismantle the stigma surrounding the disease of addiction.

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson tackle a growing debate in Iowa: Should state tax policy include more exemptions, carveouts, and targeted relief—or should we stay focused on keeping rates low for everyone? The conversation dives into a series of recent proposals, including sales tax exemptions for toilet paper and vitamins, as well as income tax exemptions for tips and overtime pay.While these proposals may have some political appeal, Chris and John argue they're examples of short-term populism that undermines long-term tax reform. Each exemption narrows the tax base and shifts the burden to other taxpayers, making it harder to lower rates across the board. They warn that these types of policies reverse the progress made through Iowa's 3.8% flat tax and could erode the simplicity and fairness of the system.The hosts also revisit calls for a senior property tax freeze, explaining why exempting one group of homeowners just increases the burden on others. Instead of picking winners and losers, they say, the goal should be to reduce the size and cost of government for everyone—a message echoed by the 70% of Iowans who support real property tax reform.Later in the episode, John shares updates on his latest op-eds covering Iowa's GDP, flat tax benefits, and state comparisons, and discusses a recent written debate with economist Vance Ginn on Trump-era tariffs—all available on ITRFoundation.org.Wrapping up, Chris previews a ITR project focused on defining the principles of good tax policy and what fiscal conservatives should expect from future leaders—especially with the 2026 governor's race already coming into view.

A few public safety officers in Iowa will train to identify and detain people in the U.S. without legal status. Federal funding freezes could impact family planning services for low-income Iowans. And an environmental nonprofit and university will examine high cancer rates in Iowa.

Iowa Business Report Friday EditionApr. 18, 2025         Sarah Curry, research director for the Iowans for Tax Relief Foundation, on the "ITR Report Card" released this week, showing each school district in Iowa and the reasonableness of the property tax levy requests made by each.

SEND ME A TEXT MESSAGE NOWThe delicate balance between executive power and judicial oversight comes to a dramatic head as Judge James Boasberg delivers a rare ruling finding probable cause to hold Trump administration officials in criminal contempt. This landmark decision centers on the administration's willful disregard for court orders halting deportation flights to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act. Legal experts characterize such contempt findings against federal officials as "just about unheard of," highlighting the extraordinary nature of the judiciary's pushback against executive overreach.Meanwhile, the democratic disconnect grows increasingly apparent during Congressional recess as Republican lawmakers face their constituents in dramatically different town hall formats. Senator Chuck Grassley confronts direct questioning from Iowans demanding accountability, while Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene opts for a highly controlled environment where she openly mocks written questions from constituents she dismisses as "brainwashed." The stark contrast reveals the widening gulf between citizens seeking answers and representatives avoiding uncomfortable confrontations.Amidst these troubling political developments, a heartwarming story emerges from the Arizona desert where an Anatolian Pyrenees named Buford becomes an unlikely hero. What stories of everyday heroism have given you hope recently? Share your thoughts and join the conversation.And Become A Member Of The WolfPack. It's FREE!AWorldGoneMadPodcast@gmail.com

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson unpack major developments from the Iowa Capitol, including the latest version of the property tax reform bill, the advancement of the two-thirds taxpayer protection amendment, and the political shockwave following Governor Kim Reynolds' announcement that she will not seek reelection in 2026.The conversation begins with a look at the latest legislative updates, including a revised property tax proposal that weakens the original 2% cap by adding an inflation factor and raises the homestead exemption. Chris and John discuss their concerns about the complexity of the changes and whether they truly provide tax relief for Iowans—especially given the absence of full data from the state.They then celebrate the Iowa Senate's passage of the two-thirds supermajority constitutional amendment to raise taxes, a longtime taxpayer protection goal. The amendment's path forward in the Iowa House is promising, and the hosts emphasize its importance for long-term fiscal restraint.The second half of the episode pivots to the 2026 open governor's race following Reynolds' announcement. Chris and John preview what will likely be a crowded Republican primary, mentioning potential candidates including Brenna Bird, Matt Whitaker, Ashley Hinson, Mike Naig, Bobby Kaufmann, Pat Grassley, and Bob Vander Plaats. On the Democratic side, Auditor Rob Sand appears to be consolidating early support.The hosts reflect on Governor Reynolds' legacy—from the flat tax and school choice to budget surpluses and COVID-era leadership—and frame the discussion around what Iowans should look for in the next governor: conviction, courage, electability, and a proven ability to deliver conservative results.

We asked Iowans what it means to be a man in 2025.

For better or worse, the COVID-19 pandemic forced Iowans to adapt.

Senator Sarah Trone Garriott joins Leisa for an insightful conversation about Iowa's legislative climate, from the nuances of school vouchers and budget priorities to the deeper challenges of ensuring effective governance in a fast-changing state. With a deep respect for public service and a commitment to listening across the aisle, Trone Garriott outlines the importance of transparency, balance of power, and sustainable decision-making. She also shares a personal side—how she envisioned Iowa before moving from Virginia, and how her perspective has evolved through public service and life in Waukee. This episode bridges policy, community, and the human side of governance in a way that's accessible and relevant to all Iowans. Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/iowa-legislature-2025-sarah-trone-garriott

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and Sarah Curry give a real-time update on Iowa's local property tax hearings, what they're learning from the numbers coming in, and why taxpayer engagement is more important than ever. They walk through what's happening on the ground during local budget season—and how Iowans can show up and push back on excessive local spending.Sarah shares early results from her county-by-county property tax tracking, highlighting that while some counties like Cass, Cherokee, and Dickinson are cutting year-over-year property tax collections, others—including Lyon, Wapello, and Henry—are proposing double-digit increases. She emphasizes that the real number to watch is not the levy rate, but the actual dollars collected from taxpayers.The conversation covers the common excuses given by local officials, like “there's nothing else to cut” or “you tell us where to cut.” Chris calls out the arrogance of flipping that question back on taxpayers, reminding elected officials that it's their job to make the hard budget decisions—not the public's responsibility to do the math for them.They also tackle the confusion around assessment notices, explain how those differ from the actual property tax bills, and encourage listeners to attend the upcoming budget hearings. Tools and templates from ITRLocal.org are highlighted to help Iowans speak confidently about their concerns, track how much their county is spending, and push for smarter budgeting.

Chris Hagenow, president of Iowans for Tax Relief, and Mike Owen, deputy director of Common Good Iowa discuss taxes and fiscal policy.

Artificial intelligence is being used in an Iowa school for security purposes. Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a law to cut down on distracted driving. And how would a law that protects pesticide companies from cancer lawsuits impact Iowans?

Doug Wagner filling in for Simon Conway during Thursday's second hour.

In this special episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow shares his full remarks from the annual ITR Foundation and NFIB Tax Day Luncheon, delivered before a crowd of engaged Iowans, legislators, and policy leaders in downtown Des Moines. Blending humor, storytelling, and serious policy analysis, Chris sets the stage for the future of Iowa's tax reform movement.The remarks begin with a nod to Iowa's remarkable progress on income tax reform—from a top rate of 8.98% to today's 3.8% flat tax—positioning the state as a national leader in conservative tax policy. Chris pays tribute to Senator Jack Whitver for his pivotal role in making generational tax relief a reality and sets the tone for the next big challenge: property tax reform.He unpacks the latest ITR Foundation poll, showing overwhelming support across party lines for major taxpayer protections:Chris highlights how this public sentiment aligns with the goals of the property tax reform bill led by Senator Dan Dawson and Representative Bobby Kaufmann—a bill that includes spending caps, school funding shifts, and a new homestead exemption. He challenges local governments to stop prioritizing bureaucracy over taxpayers and urges legislators to listen to the voices of everyday Iowans.Closing with a call to action, Chris invites listeners to use ITRLocal.org to track city, county, and school district spending and get engaged at the local level. This episode is a must-listen for those following Iowa's conservative reform movement and looking for insight into what comes next.

Leadership can be as rewarding as it is challenging—especially when you focus on cultivating and motivating people, rather than just “fixing” issues. In this episode, we're joined by international keynote speaker and author Jones Loflin, who shares a human-centered approach to leadership. Learn how embracing a gardener's mindset and viewing team members as individuals first unlocks creativity and resilience that boost performance, productivity, and career growth. Tune in for motivating, real-life examples that will help you tend to your team more effectively—and grow as a leader in the process.Visit Jones' website!Email Jones!Donate to EFR. 1 in 3 Iowans needing mental health care cannot afford it. Your gift enables us to offer counseling to anyone in need regardless of their ability to pay. Thank you for helping us keep our promise to the community: that everyone who needs help, gets help.

Watch this episode ad free by joining the ITBR Patreon and get a free trial for the ITBR Professor level!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroom⁠⁠ ⁠⁠To celebrate the SMASH Broadway musical, I am rereleasing all of our SMASH recap episodes!Christian and Andrew discuss the “Pilot” episode of the NBC show Smash that premiered in 2012. Both Christian and Andrew agree that not many podcasts have covered the hit show Smash and there are even less TV show or movie adaptations that focus on the behind-the-scenes productions of Broadway and how it pushed the envelope in terms of storytelling and controversial topics.Christian and Andrew discuss the risky decisions made by the producers to display difficult director/actor relations as well as the difficulty in displaying a battle between two actors fighting for the leading role of Marilyn Monroe who herself was such a complex nuanced person to portray on a Broadway stage.Just to remind you all here's a brief description about the "Pilot” episode:World-renowned songwriting duo Julia Houston and Tom Levitt are inspired to create a new Broadway musical on the life of cultural icon ⁠Marilyn Monroe⁠—instantly attracting the attention of tenacious producer Eileen Rand and brilliant yet temperamental director Derek Wills. As the four search for their leading lady, veteran actress Ivy Lynn becomes obsessed with winning the part and native Iowan waitress Karen Cartwright becomes desperate to make her theatrical dreams a reality.Follow ITBR on IG,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ivorytowerboilerroom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and TikTok,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ivorytowerboilerroom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our Sponsors:To subscribe to The Gay and Lesbian Review visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠glreview.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Click Subscribe and enter promo code ITBRChoice to get a free issue with a subscription purchase. Follow them on IG,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theglreview⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Head to Broadview Press, an independent academic publisher, for all your humanities related books. Use code ivorytower for 20% off your⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠broadviewpress.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠order. Follow them on IG,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@broadviewpress⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Follow That Ol' Gay Classic Cinema on IG,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thatolgayclassiccinema⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/that-ol-gay-classic-cinema/id1652125150⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thanks to the ITBR team! Dr. Andrew Rimby (Host and Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and Christian Garcia (Editor)

Kanzi, a bonobo with a famously incredible understanding of language, passed away at age 44. Then, ways Iowans can contribute to scientific research.

How the COVID-19 pandemic affected the personal and professional lives of Iowans.

As anti-trans policies continue to escalate at the national and state level, local organizing has become a bastion of hope. This week, Imara talks with two leaders working to protect their communities in increasingly hostile environments. First, she's joined by Iowa-based advocate Max Mowitz who unpacks the surprising removal of gender identity protections from the state's civil rights law. They discuss the impact of corporate withdrawal from LGBTQ+ causes and the ways that mutual aid has helped fill the growing financial needs of trans Iowans. Imara then talks with Daroneshia Duncan-Boyd about her 10+ years of experience serving trans women of color in Birmingham, Alabama, plus why she has no time for performative leadership. Subscribe to The Mess: Imara's Guide to Our Political Hellscape on Apple Podcasts.Send your trans joy recommendations to translash_podcast @ translash [dot] org Follow TransLash Media @translashmedia on TikTok, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, X, and Facebook.Follow Imara Jones on Instagram (@Imara_jones_), Threads (@imara_jones_), Bluesky (@imarajones.bsky.social), X (@ImaraJones)Follow our guests on social media!Arya Shae: Instagram (@transaffirmidaho)Max Mowtiz: Instagram (@iowatransmutualaidfund @maxwellhowdy) Daroneshia Duncan-Boyd: Instagram (@daroneshia_duncan)TransLash Podcast is produced by TransLash Media.Translash Team: Imara Jones, Oliver-Ash Kleine, Aubrey Calaway. Xander Adams is our senior sound engineer and a contributing producer.Morgan Astbury is our social media coordinator. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thousands of able-bodied Iowans could be required to report work hours to maintain their Medicaid eligibility under bills advancing in the Iowa legislature.

From agriculture funding cuts to a possible shutdown of the Department of Education, changes in the federal government are being felt far and wide.

The Iowa House has passed a bill that would allow legislative members to apply for a professional weapons permit. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is coming to Iowa. And how are some Iowans recovering from long COVID?

Iowans share how they are trying to reduce pollutants in waterways on this archive episode.

The Harkin Institute, a non-partisan think tank established at Drake University, is a leader in developing disability workforce policy.  Daniel Van Sant, Director of Disability Policy, joins the podcast to talk about an international summit the institute held in Washington D.C. and how some of the topics of discussion coming from that summit can help Iowa businesses lead the way on hiring Iowans with disabilities.

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson break down the latest ITR Foundation poll and what it reveals about Iowa voters' priorities. The results show that fiscal issues are more important than ever, with tax policy, government spending, and inflation dominating voter concerns. Surprisingly, issues like illegal immigration and abortion have dropped in importance, possibly reflecting confidence that Trump will address these issues in his second term.Chris and John analyze the overwhelming support for three major fiscal proposals: • A two-thirds majority requirement to raise taxes • Constitutional protection for Iowa's flat tax • A 2% hard cap on local government spending The hosts then shift to the new property tax bill introduced by Senator Dan Dawson and Representative Bobby Kaufmann. The bill includes a 2% cap on city and county spending, and replaces the current rollback system with a new homestead exemption. Chris and John explore how this could impact taxpayers, local governments, and Iowa's long-term fiscal health.Wrapping up, they emphasize that Iowans are demanding structural tax reforms—not just temporary fixes. The hosts praise Iowa's conservative leadership for listening to voters and pushing for meaningful, lasting change.

Curtis Sittenfeld's new short story collection captures both the mess and the gifts of aging. And a new play hopes to start conversations about farmers and rural Iowans.

The White House pauses all military aid to Ukraine as the administration begins turning down the heat on Russia. Plus, the markets plunge as Trump's tariffs on America's allies are set to take effect. And, a look at how Iowans are reacting to high prices under the Trump administration. Jeff Mason, Susan Glasser, Leigh Ann Caldwell, David Drucker, David Gura, Greg Ip, Chris Dols, and Art Cullen join The 11th Hour this Monday.

Agriculture leaders are concerned about a trade war. A student speaks out about the University of Iowa ending identity-based residential communities. And an LGBTQ rights nonprofit says transgender Iowans should prepare now for a state law going into effect in July.